We examine an unusual example of ‘machine doubling’ and how it might have occurred: Inside Coin World

A quick look at what’s inside the July 24 issue of Coin World

This coin displays an unusual form of machine doubling. Mike Diamond calls it a complex example of bi-facial push doubling, and a further explanation of this 1994 South African 20-cent coin error is found in the latest print issue of Coin World. Original images courtesy of Mike Diamond.

The latest Coin World issue, dated July 24, 2017, has been
sent to the presses, and we have a quick preview of some of
the Coin World exclusives found in our latest digital edition.

An unusual case of machine doubling

What is called “machine doubling” is a fairly common occurrence on
coins and is a manifestation of press instability, writes Mike Diamond
in his “Collectors’ Clearinghouse” column. The featured coin this week
displays an unusual form of machine doubling.

“A complex example of bifacial push doubling is seen here in a 1994
South African 20-cent coin,” Diamond writes. “The obverse shows a
dramatic east-to-west die shift and a modest north-to-south die shift,
both of which primarily affect the coat of arms,” he writes, adding,
“The reverse shows a simpler pattern of doubling, consisting of a
strong north-to-south die shift that is best seen on the number 2 and
the tips of the flower petals.”

An overlooked VAM that deserves better

John Roberts writes in his “About VAMs” column that, for the past 20
years or so, VAM specialists have focused on the specific die
marriages found listed in several references rather than the entire
series. “While this approach has served the collecting community well,
the dates in the Morgan dollar series that are not represented on any
of the several lists are, because of this, largely overlooked,” he writes.

He adds, “The VAM-6 1898-S Morgan dollar can be thought of as the
‘poster child’ for this sort of dollar. The variety boasts one of the
strongest repunched Mint marks in the entire series, with a more
readily identifiable spread than most of the more famous RPMs that
have made the lists.” The coin also has a repunched date, adding to
its appeal.

Those disturbing vignettes on obsolete notes

Wendell Wolka’s “Collecting Paper” column looks at a frequent design
theme found on 19th century obsolete notes — a theme often described
as “Indians viewing ‘Civilization.’ ” Wolka calls this “One of the
more unusual, yes, even disturbing, themes that seemed to be popular
on antebellum obsolete bank notes. …” Scenes showing Native Americans
viewing trains and cities spreading into their lands were commonplace.

“History records that while the Indians did resist the westward
settlement and ‘civilization,’ they were ultimately overwhelmed by
both technology and sheer numbers. These notes show how it all
started,” Wolka writes.

Looting that is difficult to acknowledge

Dennis Tucker’s “Guest Commentary” writes that the systematic theft
of art and other collectibles, including coins, by Nazi Germany during
World War II is well known. American soldiers who were “boots on the
ground” also committed what amounted to petty, spur of the moment looting.

He adds: “More difficult to accept — more difficult, emotionally,
even to acknowledge — is larger-scale looting perpetrated by unethical
American soldiers and officers during and after the war. An Iron Cross
hastily torn off a dead German’s tunic is one thing; rare paintings or
coin collections gathered and stolen at the point of a gun are quite another.”

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The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.